Hartford Oct 28th 1873
To Florence
My Dear Daughter
We suppose you are wishing to hear from us & after so long time I have ventured to make a few scribbles as Mary is away to the Green & will not return until Friday. Fred was out there over the Sabbath. Will attend school & is more interested in trying to learn than we have ever seen him. Fred has something of a cold which we hope will wear away[.] We are in usual health aside from that[.] What is to become of us spiritually we cannot yet determine[.] I am no longer an Offiser [sic] in the Fourth Church although I was not excused until the third trial & then by a small vote -We have made something of a [thin?] & must wait for the result[.] I was called upon to make a statement why I took such a step & was probably understood by most of those present Mr. W in particular & he - after waiting for some one to speak for him - arose & said as no one would speak for him he felt oblidged [sic] to speak for himself because some things I said reflected strongly upon the pastor. When I made my request he supposed it was because I had moved to the month part - [?] but he had since learned of me that it was not Anne & after making a somewhat excited speach Dea Loomis arose & said he was not satisfied with my reasons & moved that they do not excuse after that. A motion was made to adjourn to the next Thursday Eve which was carried - at which time there being a large no. present I was forced to repeat my reasons[.] Mr. W for some reasons chose not to be present - Immediately after the vote was taken Dea Loomis who was Moderator closed the meeting which was very unsatisfactory to quite a number who wished to speak[.] Some who remained after spoke very decided that they had not yet got to the ottom of this thing & unless it was [...]ed out it would destroy us - One said Mr. Neimes set the communion table out doors in his sermon lst Sabbath & he could not endure such things any longer but I must stop & leave Mother to say the rest. Good Bye.
FatherWednesday Morn
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Dear Florence
How do you all do this pleasant morning all well at home Freds cold seems better. Mary fixed off for the Green yesterday went on the 10 O clock train will return Friday or Saturday[.] I am very busy these days some housecleaning with the rest last week pickled green tomatoes and canned 1 peck of quinces a half bushel more in the pantry to be done Fathers favorite fruit[.] to night think of going to the sociable to please your Father you know I am not much of a hand to go to such places. suppose I ought to go more do not think of much news to write one and another seem to be leaving the 4th. Mr. Holbrook and family go to the park Mrs. Chapin and Mary to the Pearl St and Pegg Morse has got through we hear of some one every week. don't know but Mr. Wines will be left alone yet. Doct Schott is very sick with fever Mary Bliss Brother Eddie has been sick for several weeks Uncle Frank remains about the same the other friends are all well. I believe do not see much of Prohbert and Jennie hope to go out there next week Father saw Prohbert one day this week he said Jennie is looking for Esther every day Willie is waiting for this and I must close Good bye with lots of love to all I am your
Aff Mother